MURFREESBORO, N.C. –The Chowan University men's soccer team came out on top in a back-and-forth matchup against the University of Mount Olive on Tuesday evening at Hawks Soccer Field, using a late goal from Owen Sweeney to secure a 3-2 victory.
The Hawks and Trojans traded offensive opportunities throughout the opening half, but strong defensive play on both sides kept the match scoreless heading into the break.
Mount Olive broke through first in the 53rd minute, as the Trojans would hold a brief 1-0 advantage. Chowan responded at the 60:13 mark when Sweeney connected off assists from Andre Camargo and Clay Verdin to even the match at 1-1.
Less than three minutes later, the Hawks took their first lead of the night. Fernando Hernandez found the back of the net at 62:55 off a feed from Camargo, pushing Chowan ahead 2-1.
The Trojans answered in the 68th minute with the match at 2-2, setting up a battle down the stretch.
With less than six minutes remaining, the Hawks delivered the final answer. Verdin set up Sweeney for his second goal of the night at the 84:27 mark, giving Chowan the 3-2 advantage and ultimately securing the conference victory.
THE BASICS
FINAL | Chowan 3, Mount Olive 2
RECORDS | Chowan (3-2-2, 2-1-0) , Mount Olive (2-5-1, 1-3-0)
LOCATION | Murfreesboro, N.C. (Hawks Soccer Field)
SCORING SUMMARY
52:25 UMO Pierce Slater (Abdoulaye Saine)
60:13 CHO Owen Sweeney (Andre Camargo , Clay Verdin)
62:55 CHO Fernando Hernandez (Andre Camargo)
67:05 UMO Drew Huff (Haythem Abraham)
84:27 CHO Owen Sweeney (Clay Verdin)
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Sweeney led the Hawks' offensive attack, scoring Chowan's first and final goals of the night while finishing with eight shots, five on goal, and the game-winner. Hernandez added the Hawks' second goal of the match while recording six shots, including two on frame.
Camargo contributed to both of Chowan's first two goals, recording a pair of assists while finishing with four shots and one on goal. Verdin added two assists, including the helper on Sweeney's game-winning goal, while also recording two shots.
Thomas Mills and Brandon Hill each added two shots, while Shoma Fujikawa, Henry Kohel, Robbie Deighan, Sean Jacobs, Tomas Alvarez, and Bradley Williams each recorded one to round out the Hawks' offensive effort.
Lucas Kibrya played all 90 minutes in goal, making two saves behind a strong defensive effort from Chowan. The Hawks limited Mount Olive to just five total shots and four shots on goal, with Twan Kuiper, Martino Lalli, Williams, and Kohel helping hold the Trojans in check on the defensive end throughout the match.
UP NEXT
The Hawks return to action on Saturday, Sept. 26, traveling to Bristol, Tenn., for a Conference Carolinas matchup against King University. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM.
